vegan men – T.O.F.U. Magazinehttp://www.ilovetofu.ca
there is an alternative.Sat, 17 Feb 2018 06:07:34 +0000en-CAhourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.4Review | Becoming Vegan (Comprehensive Edition)http://www.ilovetofu.ca/2017/01/17/review-becoming-vegan-comprehensive-edition/
Tue, 17 Jan 2017 07:49:45 +0000http://www.ilovetofu.ca/?p=4236When I went vegan, one of the first books I read was Becoming Vegan. Being from a ‘meat and potatoes’ place, I wanted to educate myself as to how to eat as a vegan with all macronutrients, micronutrients, and vitamins covered. To be honest, I knew very little of nutrition outside of the government food pyramids at that time. That first book (published in 1984, republished in 2000) was fantastic. So, when the opportunity to review the comprehensive edition (2014) presented itself, I took it. It’s been one year since, but 445 pages of nutrition is not something one reads in one sitting.

As the title suggests, this edition covers all the topics in the first to a much greater depth. From the benefits of macronutrients to what each vitamin does and how to get your recommended daily amount (RDA), Brenda and Vesanto delve into the details in understandable language. Sources of nutrients are listed in tables in each chapter, as well as how much you need to eat to get the required amount. They take into account bioavailability in these tables as well. If it seems overwhelming (and it is), they also have a great guide at the end for a balanced vegan plate and meal plan, noting in each plan what the values of all the nutrients are. Suddenly, it doesn’t seem so daunting.

Brenda and Vesanto also cover topics such as vegan athletes, pregnant and lactating women, children, seniors, and eating disorders. From cover to cover, this book has been diligently referenced and is full of factual information written in a clear manner for laypeople to understand. I use it as a reference book – the index is phenomenal, and with succinct explanations most chapters are 20-40 pages. For those who want a crash course in vegan nutrition (or any nutrition), the express edition is a must read. For those who are interested in learning more about how our bodies work and how nutrition is a factor, this comprehensive edition is a fantastic learning resource that I would recommend to anyone.

Reviewed by Katie Hay
When Katie isn’t exploring new cuisines and challenging food conceptions in the kitchen, she can be found at farmers’ markets, building and designing bicycles, and planning her next life adventure.

]]>The Vegan Cookbook Aficionado Likes Us!http://www.ilovetofu.ca/2012/11/02/the-vegan-cookbook-aficionado-likes-us/
Thu, 01 Nov 2012 20:02:55 +0000http://www.ilovetofu.ca/?p=2243Although things have been quiet on the actual magazine front, I’ve been busy behind the scenes as per usual. Normally, that would mean just keeping up with bills and life in general, but these past couple of months at least some of my time has been spent rounding up folks for issue seven. I’m happy to say that’s coming along nicely. In fact, the submission deadline was yesterday, so now today I get to send out another round of emails to the stragglers and those delayed by life to see just when things will come my way.

Of course, another issue wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for people being interested in the last six, and that’s why I’m happy to hear from folks like Megan at The Vegan Cookbook Aficionado. She was looking for some help on her vegan MOFO posts by interviewing vegans she found interesting, and I’m flattered to be among that crowd.

So, jump over to her site and check out what I had to say about how T.O.F.U. came to be and a few other things. Of course, while you’re there you should be sure to check out her recent posts on Nanaimo Bars, and her drool-inducing vegan poutine.

Did I mention, she’s a fellow Canadian? Not only that, but she’s a Newfoundlander at heart too.

]]>Review: The Sexy Vegan Cookbookhttp://www.ilovetofu.ca/2012/03/28/review-the-sexy-vegan-cookbook/
Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:18:15 +0000http://www.ilovetofu.ca/?p=2106With a Sailor Jerry glass full of bourbon in hand before I’ve enjoyed my first meal of the day, I wonder if this book was written just for me. I’ve been anticipating it with feverish fury since I enjoyed my first Sexy Vegan youtube video a couple of years ago. Brian Patton, the sexy vegan behind the Sexy Vegan persona is not one to do things the average way– and I’m not referring to his choice to become vegan, but to the way he goes about it. The first chapter of the book, “The most important meal of the day – cocktails” kicks things off on a unique and very awesome note– and to my delight, he doesn’t fill half the book with recipes for overly sugary-baked goods as is trendy in the vegan cookbook world. Instead, there’s a small bonus chapter “We all Scream!!” with a few bitchin’ ice cream recipes. Other ballsy chapter titles include: “Beatin’ the Meat” and “Go Fork Yourself.”

Reader discretion is advised

This book is bejeweled with countless awesome references to poop, balls, Star Trek, Canada (where he says most of his fans are from); and includes cuss words, sexual innuendos, and several recipes featuring Sailor Jerry (the best) rum. In many ways, I’m pretty dude-like, despite being what some refer to as a “lady”, so I love this style. He also offers li’l WTF bits, which are what other cookbook authors might call “quick tips” or ”what’s this?” And to be cutting edge as hell, SV has provided us with QR codes that bring up bonus youtube videos. He also includes old-fashioned web links for those of you who don’t know what the hell I’m talking about.

Many of Sexy Vegan’s recipes call for components that are already full-on recipes– which is pretty sweet when it comes to being creative with leftovers ,and for the cook that likes to be challenged. I try to keep things pretty quick and simple when I cook– but I must say the effort pays off. I attempted the ‘Quote Unquote Tuna Melt’ even though I just wanted to eat a bag of corn chips one night, and the process– however lengthy for a sandwich– was soothing (or perhaps that was the rum?) Just last night, I finally tried the Bourbon Tempeh Sliders (an excellent excuse to treat myself to a pricey bottle of my favourite drink). We served this with a side of Caesar Salad, whose Creamy Dressing will be the new condiment of choice around this house. IT WAS RIDICULOUS! I’ve been putting it on everything I’ve eaten for the last 24 hours and now have to make another batch. This morning’s “Pretend Canadian Bacon”– a tribute to his Canadian fans– even smelled like bacon (in all the good ways) when cooking. I kinda drank some of the marinade too. Oops.

Extra points for “goblin” usage

The Sexy Vegan calls himself an ordinary dude, but I think he’s understating what’s true: he’s fucking extraordinary! Any cookbook that uses the word “goblin” three times– once even employing the term “hobgobin”– will certainly win in my heart, and has. Brian Patton, thank you for paving the way for men to create awesome macho vegan cookbooks, just like Uhura and Captain Kirk did for the television inter-racial kiss. There, I’ve referenced Star Trek right backatcha!

]]>Review: Vegans are Coolhttp://www.ilovetofu.ca/2012/03/19/review-vegans-are-cool/
Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:09:02 +0000http://www.ilovetofu.ca/?p=2069Vegans are Cool. Find out whether or not the book is as good as its subject matter suggests in our first blog review.]]>

Vegans Are Cool is a collection of essays, articles, and interviews from vegans all around the world. It contains interviews with folks from all walks of life, including athletes, naturopaths, and business owners. In addition to the personal stories contained in Vegans Are Cool, there is a plethora of useful information about going vegan and quite a bit of myth debunking for the vegan-curious. One nice aspect of the book is that it is not crucial that you read it from front to back, it is extremely browse-friendly. Perusing an article or interview here or there is just as enjoyable as reading it all the way through. It is available for free download as an e-book at vegansarecool.com.

Covering the bases

The book starts off with a general overview of veganism in a chapter titled “What does ‘being vegan’ actually mean?”, which is very thorough and well sourced. Other topics covered include nutrition, vegan pregnancy, owning a vegan business, myths debunked, cruelty free fashion, and effects on the planet. Reading the interviews complied within Vegans Are Cool, I found it particularly fun and interesting to follow other people’s journeys to the vegan lifestyle and why they chose to stick with it. There is even a chapter for recipes that could be helpful for those who are just starting out, especially since one of the first questions any vegan faces is ‘what can i eat?’ The articles are motivating and interesting, due in large part to the diversity of the interviewees. After reading the book there is no doubt that going vegan can be healthy, easy, fun, and liberating!

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is considering switching to a vegan lifestyle or a vegan who simply wants to brush up on their knowledge. I will use this book as a reference and revisit articles as they become relevant in my life. That being said, as a out and proud vegan of two years, I did not necessarily learn a whole lot of new information, but it is always good to brush up and remind one’s self why being vegan is in fact so freaking cool!